The condition causes the sternum to protrude. This deformity occurs in approximately 1 out of 1500 children, often runs in families, and is seen more commonly in males than females. There is a narrow depression along the sides of the chest. This condition is less common than pectus ⦠Also known as âpigeon chestâ, pectus carinatum is identified by examination of the sternum (breastbone) which has a characteristic protrusion, causing the chest to grow outward. Pectus excavatum is more common in boys than in girls. Causes. Such a syndrome is often described by patients or their family as 'poor posture'. Pectus carinatum is a deformity of the chest in which the front of the chest protrudes forward. Pectus carinatum is an abnormal growth of rib cartilage that pushes the sternum out, away from the spine. Pectus carinatum may not be obvious in early childhood but becomes more noticeable during growth spurts in adolescence. The pathophysiology of pectus carinatum is not well established. The cause of pectus carinatum is not known. Excessive growth and structural abnormalities of cartilage (tough, connective tissue) of the ribs and breastbone are present in pectus carinatum. While the exact cause of pectus excavatum is unknown, it may be an inherited condition because it sometimes runs in families. It is mostly described as genetic, with oneâs family history being the main indicator of risk for the deformity. Pectus carinatum or pigeon chest is the second most common chest deformity. People with pectus carinatum generally develop a normal heart and lungs. Both pectus excavatum and carinatum are associated with other skeletal problems and what can be regarded as a 'pectus syndrome', a cluster of symptoms and signs that occur together and characterize a condition, or simply referred as âPectus Postureâ. Because there are different formations, only a custom bracing solution should be considered. Pectus Carinatum presents in different forms but there are consistent anomalies between them. However, there are other medical conditions closely related to pectus excavatum. Malformations of rib morphogenesis and development are the most likely causes of pectus excavatum and pectus carinatum. About 25% of patients with pectus carinatum have a family history of some type of chest wall defect 8).Various diseases such as scoliosis, Marfan syndrome, osteogenesis imperfecta, Noonan syndrome, as well as some types of congenital heart disease have been associated with pectus carinatum 9). What causes pectus carinatum? Pectus carinatum may occur alone or along with other genetic disorders or syndromes. The deformity presents later in childhood than pectus excavatum and becomes more severe as the child grows. There is no known cause for pectus carinatum. One or both sides of the chest can be affected. It usually becomes apparent during the growth spurt and puberty, often seeming to suddenly appear during this period. Pectus Carinatum Causes. What is pectus carinatum? Who Is Affected by Pectus Carinatum? It is believed to be caused by factors including abnormal growth and/or composition of cartilage and bones in the chest, as well as genetic conditions that cause abnormal bone and muscle development. This gives the chest a bowed-out appearance similar to that of a pigeon. It is caused by abnormal growth of the costal cartilage between the ribs and sternum. Pectus carinatum causes. Pectus carinatum, also known as pigeon chest, is when the cartilage grows up and out, which causes the sternum, or breastbone, to protrude out in front of the rest of the chest. 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